Friends, today we get to talk writing with author Alex J. Cavanaugh and about how CassaStar came to be. Ready? Let's go!

It's great having you here, Alex. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your debut book, CassaStar.

I live on the east coast and work in website design, graphics, and courseware. I play several instruments, including guitar, and love music. I’m a total fanboy when it comes to movies, TV, science fiction, and fantasy! Yes, I kept the employees at NetFlix busy! I’m also happily married to an awesome wife. I always wonder about guys who can’t say that, too. Dude, you found a woman who’s agreed to be your date every night until you die - now that is awesome!CassaStar is my very first book, a science fiction space opera that focuses on friendship:To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.Much to Byron’s chagrin the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?

How did you come up with the idea for this book?

I was really into Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica, as well as anything fantasy. That spurred my desire to create a world far removed from earth and still include spaceships. I envisioned all sorts of adventures for Byron and Bassa. I even outlined a book and began writing some of the scenes. Of course, what we write when we’re younger, well it tends to suck when we read it as adults. Once I’d decided to tackle this first story again, I had to rewrite it. All of it! Very little survived the process, too. Just hope no one ever unearths that original concept. Unless I’m dead, and then I won’t care!

I love BG and SW. (And you better protect that early version!) When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I guess I never thought about writing seriously until a few years ago. I like my current career and knew I wouldn’t feel crushed if I never wrote a book. But I started toying with writing again and soon returned to that first story. What if I actually did it? What if it was good enough and someone wanted to publish it? It fueled the fire to try. (That and my Nike commercial wife - “Just do it!”)

(Aww, kudos to your wife.) Can you tell us about your journey to getting published?

While I was writing CassaStar, I kept reading that science fiction was dead. (Encouraging, huh?) Once I started seeking a publisher, heavy tech science fiction was becoming popular. Frustrated my angle wasn’t working, I tried another genre of science fiction - young adult. That approach eventually landed a publisher. Ironically, Dancing Lemur Press decided to classify it as adult science fiction instead. Hey, whatever works!

Outline or Wing-It?

I’m such a perfectionist, I diagram and plan everything! I won’t even place a nail in the wall without measuring first. Yes, I work from an outline. Although if something new hits me, I’ll add it to the story.

What is your writing process like? (a day in the life of your writing)

I usually write in the evenings after I’ve had time to unwind with some guitar playing. I’m a slow and deliberate writer, so cranking out 10,000 words a week just isn’t going to happen for me. And since I’ve been focusing so much on promoting CassaStar, awkward though it may be, I’ve not enjoyed as much free time to write.

What can we expect from you next?

A slow fade into obscurity (Ha! I hope not!)… (Well, it could happen!) No, right now I’m working on a sequel to CassaStar. A new element, the introduction of a female character, has created challenges, but it’s opened up a whole new world of possibilities

I LOVE that you'll be adding a female character to the sequel. (I hope she's badass!)

Thanks for stopping by, Alex. We enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about you and CassaStar. (*waves bye*)

Alex's Author Bio:Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He’s experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Currently he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.You can visit Alex at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

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comments:

I love learning more about Alex and you had some great questions Lola.

When did I know I wanted to be a writer? Two years ago. Though I've always been fond of telling stories whenever anyone would listen - since the moment I could talk so who knows when my subconscious decided.

I knew I wanted to be a writer when...oh, I was 9. I never actually had the thought, "I want to be a writer." I just started writing and never stopped, not through crazy competitive high school, not through wild, stressful college, and certainly not now. :)

Love the book description, "a science fiction space opera that focuses on friendship." We grew up with Battlestar Gallactica, love it and the guitar playing before writing wind down. Here's to success with CassaStar & a sequel with a badass! :)

Aw, I love how sweet Alex is about his wife. There's just nothing in the world like a supportive partner. I hope he continues writing. So glad he kept at it even though the news for sci fi had seemed so grim!

Man oh man, please forgive my last comment...the typos! *sigh* It's mostly because of auto-correct spelling (I have a Mac and while I love it, this feature can be annoying. Especially when I try to type slang or made-up words).

knowING

The rest of my errors were because I was multi-tasking and not paying attention. Sorry. *blushes*

It's so sad to hear that Alex came up against opposition that said sci-fi was dead. Just because publishers may not be buying much of it doesn't mean readers don't want it. We do! Desperately! I'm off to buy this…

May your pen be mighty

About Me

Lola Sharp

My name is Lola. (I'm not a showgirl) Yes, L-O-L-A Lola. It's the least of my worries. Let's move on, shall we?
This blog is mostly about my misadventures on the journey to publication and beyond. My passion for lush prose, quirky characters, art, music, literature, performing arts and anything creative will be a major theme here. This journey of mine will not always be pretty. Much like rubbernecking a train wreck, I know sometimes you just can't help but look at the carnage that is often my life. So strap on your neck brace, helmet and 5-point harness and come along for the ride!
Licentia poetica.